Blog Post: Streetwear Goes Couture: Blending High and Low Fashion Trends
Streetwear and couture may seem like two completely different worlds in the fashion industry. Streetwear is often associated with casual, comfortable, and affordable clothing, while couture is known for its high-end, luxurious, and expensive pieces. However, in recent years, these two seemingly opposite fashion trends have been merging and creating a new style known as “streetwear goes couture”. This blending of high and low fashion has become a popular trend, not only among fashion enthusiasts but also in the mainstream market. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the emergence of streetwear goes couture and how it is changing the fashion landscape.
The Origin of Streetwear Goes Couture
Streetwear has its roots in the 1980s and 90s with skateboarding and hip-hop culture. It was all about being comfortable, functional, and expressing one’s individuality. Brands like Supreme, Stussy, and A Bathing Ape (BAPE) were some of the pioneers of this style. On the other hand, couture has always been associated with high-end fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Valentino, creating exclusive and expensive pieces for the elite. These two styles seemed to exist in different spheres, but in the early 2000s, streetwear started gaining more popularity and recognition in the fashion industry.
Streetwear Goes Mainstream
The rise of streetwear in the mainstream market can be attributed to the collaboration of streetwear brands with high-end fashion houses. In 2004, Louis Vuitton collaborated with streetwear brand Supreme, creating a limited edition collection that sold out within minutes. This collaboration opened the doors for other high-end designers to work with streetwear brands, creating a new market for these luxury labels. Suddenly, it became acceptable for high-end fashion houses to incorporate streetwear elements into their collections, and vice versa.
Streetwear Goes Couture on the Runway
One of the most significant indicators of the blending of streetwear and couture is the presence of streetwear-inspired looks on the runway. Designers are now incorporating elements like oversized hoodies, graphic tees, and sneakers into their collections. For example, in 2017, Off-White, a streetwear brand founded by Virgil Abloh, debuted its first couture collection at Paris Fashion Week, featuring a mix of streetwear and high fashion elements. Other designers like Balenciaga, Gucci, and Vetements have also incorporated streetwear elements into their collections, blurring the lines between high and low fashion.

Streetwear Goes Couture: Blending High and Low Fashion Trends
Celebrities and Influencers Setting the Trend
Celebrities and influencers have also played a significant role in the rise of streetwear goes couture. With their massive following and influence, they have been seen sporting streetwear-inspired looks on various occasions, from red carpet events to everyday street style. Artists like Rihanna, Kanye West, and A$AP Rocky have been instrumental in popularizing this trend. Their collaborations with fashion brands and their personal style have made streetwear goes couture more accessible and desirable to the masses.
The Impact on Streetwear and Couture Brands
The merging of streetwear and couture has had a significant impact on both types of brands. For streetwear brands, it has opened up new opportunities for growth and expansion. They are now able to collaborate with high-end fashion houses and reach a wider audience. On the other hand, couture brands have been able to attract a younger demographic and adapt to the changing fashion landscape. It has also allowed them to tap into the streetwear market and create more affordable collections for a broader audience.
The Future of Streetwear Goes Couture
The trend of streetwear goes couture shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, it is evolving and becoming more diverse. We are seeing a mix of streetwear and couture not just in clothing, but also in accessories, footwear, and even beauty. Streetwear-inspired sneakers and luxury streetwear handbags are now highly sought after items. Brands are also experimenting with different styles, such as blending streetwear with traditional couture elements, creating a unique and fresh look.
Summary:
Streetwear and couture, two seemingly opposite fashion trends, have merged to create a new style known as “streetwear goes couture”. This trend has gained popularity through collaborations between high-end fashion houses and streetwear brands, as well as the presence of streetwear-inspired looks on the runway. Celebrities and influencers have also played a significant role in popularizing this trend, and it has had a significant impact on both streetwear and couture brands. This trend is continuously evolving and is seen in not just clothing but also accessories and beauty. It has opened up new opportunities for growth and expansion for both types of brands.







